Alice Hope Varela

VARELA, Alice Hope
Alice Hope Varela died peacefully on April 19, 2007, surrounded by loving members of her family, after a 14-month battle with brain cancer.She was born Alice Shaffer, on June 27, 1924, to Charles V. and Clara A. Shaffer in Dunsmere, Calif. She graduated from Yreka High School, where she was a drum majorette. She retired as a Superior Court administrative supervisor on January 23, 1982. Her joint retirement with husband Jose was the first in the history of Sacramento County and was recognized by the California Assembly. In addition to Sacramento County, Alice also worked for the United States Air Force at McClellan Field, during both World War II and the Vietnam conflict. During World War II, Alice was an active member of the USO, and it was through this organization that she met her husband, Jose. The couple was wed on September 21, 1947. Alice was preceded in death by her younger brother Beverly, a Marine killed in action in Okinawa, Japan, during World War II. She is survived by her husband of 59 years, Jose, of Sacramento; her brother, Charles V. Shaffer, Jr. of Mercer Island, Wash.; son Michael, of Ocoee, Flor; daughter Linda Viscardi of Elk Grove, Calif., and five grandchildren. At Alice's request, no funeral or memorial was planned. Cremation was private and no interment is planned at this time. She wishes to express her gratitude to all the individuals who assisted her and her family in this difficult time.